By Scott Smalstig, Director Community Growth, Accutech Systems—
MUNCIE, IN—Vera Mae’s Bistro, downtown Muncie’s long-time fine dining establishment, is joining Accutech’s family of companies, effective today.
The iconic eatery and bar, situated on South Walnut Street just one block from Accutech’s headquarters, was launched by owners Kent Shuff and Steve Fennimore over 23 years ago when only a couple banks and law offices called downtown home.
Accutech President Adam Unger says the acquisition fits perfectly within Accutech’s mission of “making great things happen for other people.”
“Kent and Steve chose downtown when very few others did,” said Unger. “I couldn’t be happier to continue their belief in the heart of this city as they move into the next chapter of their lives.”
Once Shuff and Fennimore began talking with Accutech they saw Accutech’s commitment to downtown and a similar desire to serve others with excellence.
Fixtures in Muncie, Shuff and Fennimore long ago established themselves as the high-end caterer, party planners and later restauranteurs. To dine in Vera Mae’s is an experience as much as a culinary delight. The famous drop by, engagements happen, weddings are planned, anniversaries are celebrated, deals are done, and toasts are made.
“If downtown is the heart of the city, Vera’s is its soul,” said Shuff. “We’re happy that we’ve found someone who believes what we do.”
“Vera’s is the perfect extension of our vision of community,” said Scott Smalstig, Accutech’s Director of Community Growth. “We want to help make Muncie even more of a destination, all the while creating employment opportunities, enhancing quality of place and instilling pride.”
Vera Mae’s upscale French-influenced fusion cuisine borrows from the rich traditions of Europe, Asia, and the new world.
Unger promises Vera Mae’s favored specialties like the French onion soup, served with scissors to cut the thick overlay of provolone cheese, baked brie, crab and artichoke dip, and the dill crusted cod will continue under Accutech’s ownership.
Opening its doors in 1999, Vera Mae’s began its story as a lunch delivery and catering business through its South Walnut Street storefront. Shuff, a pioneer in the revitalization of Muncie’s historic district, later expanded the restaurant in 2002.
Shuff and Fennimore created the Ballaird Hall, formerly Ballard Hardware, increasing the original bistro from 54 seats to 210 seats. The upstairs apartment that they refurbished with period décor and a professional-grade kitchen, will be repurposed for private parties, community fundraisers, and possibly an Airbnb.
Shuff and Fennimore plan to spend more time in their beloved adopted home of New Orleans, but have bought another home in Muncie.
“Muncie is home to us,” said Fennimore. “All of our friends and family are here or nearby, and we love this community. We are thrilled we found a local buyer who is as committed to Muncie as we are.”
Accutech is a wealth management software company founded in 1987 that opened its new headquarters in downtown Muncie two years ago. Since then, Unger has pledged to leverage his company’s success to give back to Muncie. “I want everything we do to have impact and to restore pride in this community. Why Muncie, some ask. Why NOT Muncie, I say.”
Vera Mae’s will be the second downtown eatery for Accutech.
The Clubhouse @Accutech, located on the first floor of the Accutech’s downtown location, opened to the public in early July after hosting over 40 private parties from December to June. It is a family entertainment venue with digital golf simulators and micro-golf with a full-service dining experience and bar.
Accutech’s acquisition of Vera Mae’s is its third in recent months, having purchased Intersection ad agency and Whitinger Strategic Services, a division of Whitinger Accounting, in October of 2021.
“We want to make Muncie a destination,” said Unger. “There’s no reason we can’t get folks driving from all over Indiana to experience Walnut Street! We’re proud of our growing family.”
About Accutech Systems
Accutech Systems is a holding company for a family of brands- Cheetah Wealth Management, OpenDigital, FiCrowd, Insights, Moneytree, Intersection, The Clubhouse and Vera Maes. Together the family of brands employs over 200 people, and is headquartered in Muncie, Indiana.
